China, Arab states sign multiple outcome documents, issue joint statement on Palestinian issue

Liu Xin co-leads the Global Times China desk. She covers topics on China’s Xinjiang region, religious fields, border areas and ...

Liu Xin

Published: May 30, 2024 07:07 PM

China and Arab states adopt a series of outcome documents at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing on May 30, 2024. Photos: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

China and Arab states adopted a series of outcome documents at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday to further promote bilateral relations and also issued a joint statement on the Palestinian issue, voicing the need to end the Gaza conflict and seek a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press together with Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, Mauritania's minister of foreign affairs, cooperation and Mauritanians abroad, and Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit of the Arab League on Thursday afternoon.

Wang said that the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is the first ministerial meeting of the forum held after the inaugural China-Arab States Summit. It also coincides with the forum's 20th anniversary and serves as an event that builds on the past, fosters unity and cooperation, and promote further progress.

Both sides held in-depth discussions on expediting the implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural China-Arab States Summit and accelerating the building of the China-Arab community with a shared future, Wang said, noting that outcome documents including the Beijing Declaration and the CASCF execution plan for 2024-2026 have been signed.

Wang noted that the strongest call of the Thursday conference was for steadfast support for the Palestinian people's legitimate national rights. A joint statement by China and the Arab states on the Palestinian issue was adopted, calling for the prompt resolution of the Gaza conflict and a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

While delivering his speech at the10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Wang said that the Palestinian issue is the core of the Middle East problem.

Regardless of changes in the international situation, China has always firmly supported the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights and supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 border and with east Jerusalem as its capital.

China supports Palestine's full membership in the UN, and is willing to make greater contributions to promoting internal reconciliation in Palestine, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that the current situation in the Gaza Strip is unsustainable, and an unconditional and immediate cease-fire is the international consensus. Improving the humanitarian situation is the most urgent task, and innocent civilian lives should no longer be harmed.

China will continue to stand firmly with Arab countries, uphold justice, and promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible, Wang said.

While meeting the press on Thursday afternoon, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, Mauritania's minister of foreign affairs, cooperation and Mauritanians abroad, and Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit of the Arab League both thanked China for its efforts in successfully holding the ministerial meeting and for its stance on the Palestine issue.

Cooperation and exchanges between China and Arab states have reached new heights, with both sides reaching consensus on many issues, including complex and sensitive regional and international matters, Merzouk said, noting that the cooperation documents signed by both parties are constructive, fully highlighting their shared stance and consensus.

Gheit also expressed high appreciation for China’s stance on the Palestine issue and hopes that it will deepen its support and make further efforts to turn the two-state solution into a reality through political means.